The digestive system is the one that is most affected by uterine growth and the hormonal changes typical of pregnancy, which is why intestinal disorders are very frequent in the nine months preceding birth.
Causes of intestinal disorders in pregnancy
In the first trimester of pregnancy the most frequent discomfort is represented by morning sickness, which sometimes is accompanied by vomiting; these disorders are mainly caused by high levels of estrogen and HCG in the blood .
Other disorders of the digestive system, typical of pregnancy, are heartburn and belching, probably due to a slower transit of food and a reduction in the sphincter muscle tone that separates the stomach from the esophagus.
The slowing of the intestinal transit of food is accentuated as the pregnancy progresses, mainly due to the anatomical displacement of the upward organs ; this is why constipation, quite common throughout pregnancy, tends to become a more annoying problem especially in the last quarter.
Finally, it is not infrequent that in the last weeks of pregnancy the appearance of hemorrhoids occurs, due in part to the excessive effort made for the evacuation, partly to the weight of the uterus.
Stomach pain in pregnancy, natural remedies to help
Remedies of intestinal disorders in pregnancy
With a correct lifestyle and adequate nutrition, intestinal disorders can be prevented, alleviated and combated during pregnancy.
The main natural remedies are:
- Increase fiber intake . A diet naturally rich in dietary fiber promotes intestinal transit and therefore helps to prevent constipation and also to resolve it. Avoiding constipation, much is also done to prevent the problem of hemorrhoids . The diet during pregnancy should therefore be rich in seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains.
- Drink lots of water . A correct fluid intake is always important, but in pregnancy it is doubly. Drinking water that promotes intestinal transit is often a very useful natural remedy for preventing and fighting constipation .
- Avoid sedentariness . If the course of pregnancy allows it and there are no contraindications to movement, moderate physical activity and having an active lifestyle can help fight many intestinal disorders typical of pregnancy.
- If the problem is above all meteorism, limit the consumption of foods that favor the formation of air in the belly, for example legumes, leavened baked goods, desserts and other foods too rich in sugar. The desserts in particular, especially the industrial ones, should be avoided anyway, regardless of any intestinal problems, as they favor the increase in body weight and blood sugar. Obviously, all drinks with carbon dioxide should be avoided.
- Consume light and more frequent meals, to aid digestion and avoid becoming too heavy.
- Consume teas with a carminative effect; fennel tea is particularly indicated, which also favors digestion. Before using natural herbal remedies, inquire about safety: some herbs, in fact, are contraindicated in pregnancy ; others are safe, but only at certain dosages.
And ginger ? Can it be used in pregnancy? Notoriously, ginger is an effective natural remedy for nausea ; however, it contains substances with mutagenic activity and this is why it is often not recommended to take them during pregnancy . In reality, there is no evidence of the teratogenic activity of ginger in pregnancy, but there is also no evidence of its safety.
